The best cycling routes around Des Moines

Des Moines offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 50 options available on komoot. These routes cater to various preferences, ranging from easy urban paths to more challenging long-distance loops.

The touring cycling routes in Des Moines primarily feature extensive networks of paved trails. Many of these utilize former railroad corridors, ensuring mostly flat and smooth paths. You'll cycle through diverse landscapes including river valleys, woodlands, prairies, and agricultural areas.

Yes, Des Moines has numerous family-friendly options. Many trails are paved and mostly flat, making them suitable for cyclists of all ages. For example, the Mark C. Ackelson Trail is an easy route that's just over 8.6 km long, perfect for a leisurely family ride.

You'll encounter diverse natural beauty. The Neal Smith Trail follows the banks of the Des Moines River near Saylorville Lake, offering wildflower meadows and panoramic lake views. The High Trestle Trail is famous for its iconic bridge over the Des Moines River valley, providing impressive vistas, especially when illuminated after dusk. You can also explore woodlands, prairies, and agricultural landscapes on trails like the Raccoon River Valley Trail.

Yes, the region offers circular routes for touring cyclists. A notable example is the Raccoon River Valley Trail, which features a 72-mile paved loop, recognized as the longest hard-surfaced loop trail in the nation. For a longer option, consider the High Trestle Trail and Neal Smith Trail Loop, which covers nearly 116 km.

Many trailheads across the Des Moines area offer convenient parking facilities. For instance, the Great Western Trail extends from Water Works Park, which typically has parking available. Trailside communities along routes like the Raccoon River Valley Trail also provide amenities, including parking.

Beyond the natural landscapes, you can discover various attractions. Along the trails, you might encounter historic sites, as many routes are built on former railroad corridors. In downtown Des Moines, the trail system connects to the Principal Riverwalk, featuring public art and unique pedestrian bridges, and the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge. The Neal Smith Trail itself is a highlight, and you can visit the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center nearby.

The touring cycling routes in Des Moines are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the extensive paved trail networks, the diverse scenery encompassing river valleys and agricultural landscapes, and the variety of options suitable for different ability levels.

Yes, Des Moines offers routes for more experienced touring cyclists seeking longer distances. The High Trestle Trail and Neal Smith Trail Loop is a challenging 115.8 km route that takes approximately 7 hours to complete, leading through river valleys and agricultural landscapes. Another longer option is a 78.5 km segment of the Neal Smith Trail.

Absolutely. Many of the major trails, such as the Raccoon River Valley Trail and the Great Western Trail, connect Des Moines to various rural communities like Adel, Martensdale, and Cumming. These trailside towns often provide amenities for cyclists, including places to eat, drink, and rest, making them perfect stops during your ride.

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Des Moines. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, and the natural landscapes, from wildflower meadows to vibrant foliage, are at their most beautiful. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Many multi-use trails in the Des Moines area are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. It's always a good idea to check specific trail regulations before you go, but generally, you'll find plenty of options to enjoy with your canine companion.